6 Traditional Dishes to Celebrate the Holidays in France

By Kelli Drummer-Avendano

France is known as one of the gastronomic capitals of the world, so it’s no surprise that the holidays are celebrated with delicious and indulgent dishes there. The main epicurean holiday event is called Le Réveillon and takes place on Christmas Eve. Apart from the roasted turkey with chestnuts, here are six other traditional food you’ll want to try as well:

#1- Oysters

This seafood dish might seem surprising to those outside of France, but oysters are a common appetizer served at holiday parties and before the main meal on Christmas Eve. If you don’t like them raw, you can cook them in French white wine.

Foie Gras is one of the Traditional Dishes to Celebrate the Holidays in France

#2- Foie gras

Another French specialty that is sure to make an appearance on the holiday table is foie gras. This dish is not for the faint of heart but is beloved by those with a penchant for rich food. You’ll most likely see it served with toasted bread and fig.

#3- Lobster

The French spare no expense when it comes to plating their Christmas meal. It’s common to see more than one boiled lobster for Réveillon, along with other delicious shellfish such as crab and scallops.

#4-Bœuf bourguignon

A popular dish served both on Christmas Eve and in the famous Christmas markets, bœuf bourguignon is a hearty beef stew made with lots of red wine and root vegetables. It’s sure to warm you up on a cold winter’s night while dining with family and friends.

#5- Bûche de Noël

Perhaps the most widely recognized Christmas dessert, the bûche de Noël, or Yule log is made by baking a sponge cake in a shallow pan, icing it, rolling it into a cylinder form, and icing it again. Rolling it in this way gives it the traditional log shape, and it is completed with decorations of mushrooms and leaves made from fondant or marzipan.

#6- Galette des Rois

Since the fourteenth century, the French have been serving this almond delight, translated as King Cake, on the day of the Epiphany, January 6, which is also called Three Kings Day. The cake is made by piping almond filling between two puff pastries.

Sources:

Christmas in France

A Guide To French Christmas Foods